Lestes macrostigma (Dark Spreadwing)

A very localized species with a strong preference for a particular habitat, brackish waters. The distribution map in Djikstra/Lewington is very patchy.

Acting on information received from a fellow Odonata enthusiast, in June 2012 we made a day trip from our campsite at the Marais Poitevin to the Île d’Oléron in search of these very localized, delightful creatures. As you can see below, we were successful in our quest and the trip was well worth it. In 2016, we had our second encounter when we found a very nice example in Croatia, too.

Id Notes

Generally dark in colour rather than metallic green/bronze (cf. other Lestes)